Autism Spectrum Disorders: screening.

Existing law, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, requires the State Department of Developmental Services to contract with regional centers for the provision of various services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) . Existing law, the California Early Start Intervention Services Act, commonly known as the Early Start program, provides various early intervention services for infants and toddlers who have disabilities or who are at risk of having disabilities to enhance their development and to minimize the potential for developmental delays. This bill would require the State Department of Developmental Services to partner with at least one regional center to implement a 2-year Autism Spectrum Disorders Early Screening, Intervention, and Treatment Pilot Program in at least 3 key geographic areas. The pilot program would establish best practices for early screening, diagnosis, referral, and treatment for children with ASD. The bill would require the department, no later than July 1, 2012, to report to the Legislature and the Governor on the pilot program. The bill would prohibit state general funds from being used to prepare the report and to fund the pilot program in any fiscal year of the pilot program's operation. The department would be required to seek federal funding for the pilot program.